International Baccalaureate [IB] Education – MED

Who should apply?

Experienced teachers with or without a master’s degree may apply for this program. International Baccalaureate (IB) concentration coursework focuses on the theory, pedagogy, and research supporting the IB programs, providing advanced professional development on the philosophy, elements, and assessments of the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). Please note, this program does not lead to licensure.

For students who already have a master’s degree and are interested in pursuing AIB studies, please see the fully online Advanced International Baccalaureate (IB) Studies (Graduate Certificate) program.

Why choose George Mason?

• Mason is proud to be the first university in North America to offer graduate teacher education programs approved and accredited by the International Baccalaureate.
• This program provides a highly flexible course schedule while incorporating international understanding through highly qualified faculty and globally-minded students.
• Students can begin the program in Fall or Spring, completing the master’s in as little as two years.
• The program combines asynchronous online coursework with an intensive, 5-week summer session on Mason’s Fairfax campus.
• Successful completion of the master’s program leads to eligibility to apply for the Advanced International Baccalaureate Certificate in Teaching and Learning.
• This program is accredited by the International Baccalaureate (IB) and the Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP).

Program  requirements may change; please refer to the Mason Course Catalog for the most up-to-date requirements. See the ASTL AIB Concentration form for course details.

Most courses in this program are delivered asynchronously and offerings vary by semester. This program requires an intensive, five-week summer session on Mason’s Fairfax campus.

Requirements: 30 credits total

• 12 credits ASTL core courses
• 18 credits AIB concentration courses

ASTL Core Courses

• EDUC 606 Education and Culture | 3 credits
• EDUC 612 Inquiry into Practice | 2 credits (face-to-face summer session)
• EDUC 613 How Students Learn | 3 credits
• EDUC 614 Designing and Assessing Teaching and Learning | 2 credits
• EDUC 615 Educational Change | 2 credits

AIB Concentration Courses

• EDUC 621 Teaching and Learning in the IB Program | 3 credits
• EDUC 622 Curriculum Development across IB Programs | 3 credits
• EDUC 623 Models and Strategies for Teaching and Learning in IB Schools | 3 credits
• EDUC 624 Assessment and Learning in IB Schools | 3 credits
• EDUC 626 Inquiry into Action: IB Teachers, Learners, and Schools | 3 credits
• EDUC 627 Contemporary Issues and Trends in IB | 3 credits (face-to-face summer session)

Tuition (2021-2022)

Please Note: In addition to the tuition and fees described below, various course and lab fees may be assessed depending on the course(s) in which the student is enrolled. Please refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees. Internship courses will incur a higher CEHD course fee to fund on-site assistance involving intensive clinical training/supervision.

*VA state residents who are eligible must apply for the 15% PreK-12 VA Educators Discount in order to take advantage of the lower tuition. Discount applies to tuition and mandatory student fees only.

Financial Aid

For information on loans and scholarships, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid. For information regarding grants, tuition waivers and other merit aid, please inquire with your graduate department. Also, many school districts offer tuition reimbursement options. Speak to your employer for more information.

Career Enhancement

This program is for teachers who are currently working, or wish to work, in International Baccalaureate schools worldwide. It develops research-focused, student-centered teacher leaders with coursework that focuses on the theory, pedagogy, and research that supports the IB programs, specifically its Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme.

Incorporating 18 credits of coursework in Advanced International Baccalaureate (AIB) coursework and 12 credits in Advanced Studies in Teaching and Learning (ASTL), this program leads to a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. Successful completion of the master’s degree also makes students eligible to apply for the Advanced International Baccalaureate Certificate in Teaching and Learning.

As a Mason student, you may contact Mason Career Services for more career information and counseling.

Further Studies

For students who already have a master’s degree and are interested in pursuing AIB studies, please see the fully online Advanced International Baccalaureate (IB) Studies (Graduate Certificate) program.

All applicants should review the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) Admissions page. For international applicants, see guidelines for International Graduate Requirements.

Prerequisites

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree from a US institution that is accredited by one of the organizations found here
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 hours of study (Some applicants with a lower GPA may be admitted provisionally if there is sufficient evidence of potential success)
• One year of documented, successful teaching or related educational experience

Application Materials

• Graduate application
• Application fee
• Goals statement (750-1000 words) that addresses reasons for choosing this ASTL program
• Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (applicants do not need to send in transcripts for courses taken at George Mason University). Official transcripts are required after admission.
• Two letters of recommendation from professional references targeting applicant’s teaching skills and academic abilities
• For International Applicants:

• • Copies of unofficial university transcripts and any earned degree, translated to English and evaluated by the Mason Office of Admissions or through a verified external evaluation service. Please visit this page for more information.
  • Verification of English language proficiency. Please see the English Proficiency Requirements page for more information.

If you have any questions during the application process, please contact the CEHD Admissions Office at cehdgrad@gmu.edu or (703) 993-2010.